Edgewater residents get tips on avoiding identity theft

Twenty-four thefts and 18 counts of
battery were reported since January on beat 2023 in the Edgewater neighborhood, according to the Chicago Police Department.

The thefts, which resulted in 14 arrests, occurred primarily from grocery
stores and automobiles.

Residents who attended the neighborhood CAPS meeting at the
Kenmore Plaza Wednesday were advised not to leave valuables in sight in their cars.

The meeting featured Officer Ronald Rufo from the Preventative Programs Department, who spoke about identity theft.

"Identity theft is
skyrocketing. It has the highest crime rate of any crime we have
right now. The rate has quadrupled each quarter," Rufo said. Rufo suggested keeping all documents that contain social
security numbers in a safe place inside the home.

Rufo also advised residents to avoid giving out personal
information over the telephone, and to shred documents containing personal information.

Topics for the next meeting include safe
traveling tips for the upcoming warm weather. Beat 2023 is bordered
by